The return is a welcome development for the 49ers' receiving corps, which has been hit hard by injuries. Ricky Pearsall is set to undergo surgery to repair damage from last season's PCL injury and will miss the entire 2026 season. Mike Evans has been sidelined with a quad strain, Jacob Cowing is recovering from a hip flexor injury, and Christian Kirk continues to work his way back from a calf strain.
Other than Pearsall, there is optimism that none of those injuries are long-term concerns.
Before his injury setback, Stribling had been one of the standout performers of training camp. The rookie consistently displayed reliable hands and earned significant opportunities during practices. Some observers even believed he was making a strong case to open the season as the team's No. 2 wide receiver.
"He's going to be a dog," second-year cornerback Upton Stout said of Stribling. "I like the way he uses his hands and his speed, so he's going to be a good addition for us, for sure."
Stout added that Stribling can create separation at every level of the field and believes the rookie has the tools to develop into an outstanding route runner.
"I feel like he's going to be a good route-running receiver when it comes to it," Stout added.
Additionally, defensive end Sam Okuayinonu returned to practice on Thursday after exiting Wednesday's session with an ankle injury scare.
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